Obituaries

Barb Jean (Luft) Surprenant born on July 29, 1941, in Currie, Minnesota, was the daughter of Alfred and Viola (Boudreau) Luft. She initially grew up in a small house connected to Al’s Oasis, now known as Ruppert Oil in Currie. Her childhood memories included playing with her cousin Kay (Boudreau) Ehret and enjoying summers in the icehouse at the gas station. After some time, her family moved to a farm outside of Currie where she grew up with her siblings. Barb attended IHM Catholic School in Currie and graduated in 1959. Following a few years working in Minneapolis, she graduated from St. Mary’s School of Nursing in 1962 as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Barb married James Edward Surprenant on May 25, 1963, at IHM Catholic Church in Currie, and they first settled on a farm south of Tracy before moving to Slayton. Barb balanced raising their three children while continuing to work full-time at Tracy Municipal Hospital and driving through many Minnesota blizzards before the use of cell phones. After 44 years in nursing, she retired but remained in touch with many of her former patients and nursing colleagues. In retirement, she dedicated time to mowing the lawn, updating the house and acreage, sewing quilts and other crafts, and making sundresses for children’s charities. Barb was devoted to her faith, especially to the Blessed Virgin Mary and Divine Mercy Sunday. She contributed to decorating St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Slayton and especially enjoyed the Easter and Christmas seasons. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters and spent many years working with her children on their 4-H projects in their younger years. Barb passed away with her family by her side on Friday, March 29th, at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls at the age of 82. She cherished spending time with Jim, her husband of over 60 years, and they often enjoyed driving around with their classic vehicles together or walking hand in hand around the acreage. They spent a lot of time dancing and were quite the pair to watch on the dance floor back in the day. They also cherished the time they spent traveling the country or visiting their daughters when they lived in Washington, DC. Barb’s family will miss her wit and smile dearly. She was a prankster and there are many a diet coke can that had to be shaken of its sediment before she gave it to you.

Dwain Earl Evers, the son of Ernest and Emelia (Beckman) Evers, was born on January 27, 1933 in Seward Twsp., Nobles Co., MN. He grew up on a farm near Fulda and attended country school. After graduating from Fulda High School in 1951, Dwain worked at Fulda Lumber. He entered the U.S. Army in April of 1953 and served in Frankfurt, Germany until April of 1955. Dwain came home and began working for the MN Dept. of Natural Resources Division of the Fish and Game. Dwain was united in marriage to Marlys Johnson on May 12, 1962 at the Lake Sarah Lutheran Church in Garvin, MN. After their marriage they lived near Fulda and started farming in 1964. After selling his dairy herd in 1986 he drove school bus for many years fulltime and later as a substitute. They retired in 2004 and began delivering Winnebago Motorhomes to dealerships and enjoyed seeing much of the U.S. and some of Canada. Dwain passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024 at the Our House Hospice Home in Slayton, MN at the age of 91. He was a lifetime member of Immanuel Lutheran “Pfingsten” Church in rural fulda where he was baptized and confirmed. Dwain belonged to the Lutheran Brotherhood, Couples Club and on the Church Council. He was also a Gideon, VFW member, served on COOP Boards and sold Golden Harvest seed corn. He enjoyed helping his son farm, camping, riding bicycle, playing games, traveling and feeding the cats. Dwain traveled to Alaska, Hawaii and Germany and enjoyed spending winters in Arizona.

Sylvia Gwendolyn Onken, the daughter of Delbert and Gwendolyn (Norton) Kuehl, was born on April 7, 1941 in Slayton, MN. She grew up in Murray County, MN and attended country school and graduated from the Storden High School in 1959. Sylvia was united in marriage to Arnold Onken on October 5, 1963 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Slayton. After their marriage they lived on the Onken family farm north of Avoca. Sylvia worked as a secretary at the crop insurance office in Slayton for many years. In 1997 they moved into Slayton. Sylvia remained at their home after Arnie passed away in April of 2005. Sylvia passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at the Our House Hospice Home in Slayton at the age of 82. She was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Sylvia also belonged to the Birthday Club. She enjoyed golfing and bowling and going to Nationals. She also enjoyed spending time at the cabin and attending family gatherings.

James (Jim) Henry Lange was born on August 18, 1936, on a farm near Hadley, Minnesota to Henry and Verna Lundeen Lange. He was baptized at Faith Lutheran Church in Avoca, MN. Jim grew up near Avoca and attended country school. He was confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church in Slayton, MN. On December 1, 1956, he and Joyce Johnson were married at the Hadley Lutheran parsonage. Following their marriage, they farmed south of Hadley until health problems forced Jim to retire from farming after 23 years. Jim bought the radiator shop in Slayton and operated it until 2000 when he sold the business and retired. Although retired, Jim continued to repair hydraulic jacks. He exemplified a strong work ethic. Jim passed away at the Murray County Hospital in Slayton on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the age of 87. He was a member of the Hadley Lutheran Church. Jim was a family man with a simple faith. He was a master craftsman making projects for family and friends, like cedar chests, bunk beds, cribs, decorations, and yard ornaments. Jim was a race car enthusiast, helping family and friends with cars and spent many hours preparing the Murray County Track for racing events earning him the nickname Dirt Doctor. Jim enjoyed spending time with his family and coffee time with the guys.

Allan Kramer “Number 7”, 72 of Currie, MN passed away on March 19, 2024, at the Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. A service will be held in the summer. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome. com.

Emeritus Rev. Dennis Brech THIS CHURCH OR THAT CHURCH – THAT IS THE QUESTION.

Catherine (Cathy) Ann Hemenway was born on February 23, 1951, Wessington Springs, South Dakota to Clell and Irene Roth Kirton. She grew up in Wessington Springs and graduated from Wessington Spring High School in 1968. In 1968 Cathy moved to Sioux Falls, SD. On May 5, 1972, she and Lewis Hemenway were married in Sioux Falls and to this union two children were born. Following their marriage, they continued living in Sioux Falls until 1978 when they moved to Chamberlain, SD. In 1982 they moved to Armour, SD, and in 1991 they moved to Wanger, SD and Cathy worked as a nurse aid at the Wanger Nursing Home. Lewis passed away in 1998. In 1999 She moved to Slayton and worked at the Slayton Manor. In 2002 she went to work at Our House Hospice Home in Slayton in housekeeping. In 2004 she met Lawrence Roeder and they shared many wonderful times together over the last 20 years. Cathy delivered the Worthington Daily Globe for 10 years. Cathy passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at the Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 73. She was a member of St. Ann’s Church in Slayton. She was a member of the Wilmont VFW Auxiliary and a Murray County Hospice volunteer. Cathy enjoyed bowling, music, and word search puzzles.

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Linda Harmsen Gesler, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sibling, aunt, cousin and friend. She peacefully departed this life on March 17th, 2024, in her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Daniel (Dan) Carl Kirkpatrick was born on March 19, 1964, in Sunland, California to Ronald and LouAnn Amundson Kirkpatrick. He grew up in San Fernando Valley, CA until the family moved to Las Vegas, NV and later to Minnesota. On September 13, 2018 he and the love of his life, Maria Del Carmen Estreda where married. Following their marriage, they made their home in Adrian, MN where Dan drove truck for Son-D-Farms and then Smith Trucking in Worthington. In 2020 they moved to Chandler, MN. Dan passed away with his trucking companion, chuco on Monday, March 18, 2024, at the Sanford Chamberlain Hospital in Chamberlain, SD as the result of a traffic accident near Reliance, SD at the age of 59. Dan enjoyed time with his family, especially his granddaughter, camping at the beach, collecting cars, riding his motorcycle, meeting new people and he was known for his pets as he would often take them out in public and show of their skills. He loved driving the big truck and seeing the country. Dan was very generous and had a gentle soul he would give you his last dollar and the shirt of his back if it helped you. He never met a stranger as everyone was family.

Kenneth Roy Hatch died peacefully on March 8th at The Pillars in Lakeville Minnesota surrounded by those who loved him. He was 81 years old. Mr. Hatch was born on September 4th, 1942 in Algona, Iowa, the second of four children of Clyde Francis Hatch and Ruth Eileen Christiansen.